Chatter in the Vestibule — Feast days

If you travel to Italy during the Twelve Days of Christmas, especially as you get closer to the Epiphany on January 6th you will see a sight that is quite unique. Italy will suddenly transform itself something closer to an American Halloween than the Father Christmas we are used to at this time of year. There will be witches in the stores filled with candy and people dressed up for photo opportunities with costumed witches in the streets. This is a special witch named “La Befana.” According to Italian legend, as the Three Magi were traveling to visit the Baby...

In the weeks preceding this year's Feast Day, Our Lady's words to St. Juan Diego repeat in my heart, "Are you not in the hollow of my mantle, in the crossing of my arms? Do you need anything more?"

When my husband and I decided to live more liturgically our first question was where to start!? There are so many rich traditions in the world-wide Mother Church that it was overwhelming at first to suddenly add all this history, planning, and spirituality to our daily life. We decided to pick one aspect and “test it out” for a few months to see how it fit into our busy lives. Since I love the saints and their stories I decided to start there. We made a list of saints we especially love and the list has grown exponentially since then!...

Cherries September 3 is the feast of St. Gregory the Great. His feast is associated with cherries. One year, on the feast of St. Mark, St. Gregory was overwhelmed with a craving for cherries and a hill of cherry trees was miraculously full of the fruit. End the summer with a big bowl of cherries.   Polenta You love Italian food. On the feast of St. John XXIII, October 11, enjoy one of his favorite. A break from pasta will be a welcome change. You can even take your favorite marinara and meatballs and spread it over this healthy alternative!...